Strength through Quietness

 December 2, 1998 

Notes from a study of Andrew Murray’s book “Abide in Christ”  Day 18

*Note: this journal entry doesn’t distinguish between Mom’s thoughts and direct quotes from Andrew Murray

Isaiah 30:15 (Amplified)  In returning to Me and resting in Me you shall be saved; in quietness and in trusting confidence shall be your strength.

 Psalm 37:7  Be silent to the Lord and wait patiently for Him

 Psalm 62:1  For God alone my soul waits in silence

 Lord, what I hear You saying to me through these verses is:

·        When we are resting we are not doing anything, physically or mentally. Our bodies and minds are quiet (and our mouths).   Our strength comes through the quiet resting

·        When we allow You to get us quiet, then we also need to wait patiently before You in silence so that we may accurately hear You.

·        The quietness and ceasing from all effort is the secret of the highest activity of man and all his powers.  This is not a partnership where each partner contributes their share of work.  It is cooperation founded on subordination.

As Jesus was fully dependent on the father for all His words, and works, so the believer can do nothing of himself.  We must cease entirely from self-effort (our own doing) and wait for the working of God in us.   God then renews, sanctifies, and wakens all our energies to their highest power.

It is a soul silent unto God that is the best preparation for knowing Jesus and holding fast the blessings he bestows.  God’s work is hindered by our interference. 

Cultivate the quietness as a means to the abiding in Christ; expect the ever deepening quietness and cam of heaving in the soul as the fruit of abiding in Him.

                                                                           Andrew Murray

 

Righteousness – Isaiah 32: 1, 17

 Journal date November 18, 1998

 

Notes from a study of Andrew Murray’s book “Abide in Christ”  Day 8

*Note: this journal entry doesn’t distinguish between Mom’s thoughts and direct quotes from Andrew Murray

 

Jesus Christ came to restore peace on earth by restoring righteousness.

 

Isaiah 32: 1, 17 (Amplified)

v1   Behold a king will reign in righteousness

v17   And the effect of righteousness will be peace (internal and external) and the result of righteousness will be quietness and confident trust forever

 

WOW!   

 

We do not put on Christ’s robe of righteousness, but we should think of putting on Jesus Christ and seeking to be wrapped up in Him and His life.  As our fellowship with Christ becomes more personal and intimate and maintained, the growing renewal of our whole being makes righteousness to be our very nature

Wisdom - Colossians 2:3

 

Journal date November 16, 1998

 

Notes from a study of Andrew Murray’s book “Abide in Christ”  Day 7

 

Andrew Murray:

Jesus Christ is not only Priest to purchase, and King to secure, but also Prophet to reveal to us the salvation which God has prepared for those who love Him. Christ is made of God unto us wisdom!  In Him are hid all the treasure of wisdom and knowledge (Colossians 2:3)

 

Study much to know the written Word, but study more to know the Living Word.  Cultivate the habit of rejoicing in the assurance that divine wisdom is guiding you, even where you do not yet see the way.  If you will but trust Him fully, and abide in Him entirely, you can be confident of having unerring guidance

I am His and He is Mine

 Journal date November 15, 1998

Notes from a study of Andrew Murray’s book “Abide in Christ”  Day 6

 

I Cor 1:30 (KJV)  Of God are ye in Christ Jesus, who was made unto us wisdom from God, both righteousness and sanctification, and redemption.

I must remember daily, and be assured by faith, that I am in Christ Jesus.  This is not of my doing at all, but the work of the Almighty God.

 

Andrew Murray:

“If God alone has done this, that I am Christ, then God himself, the Infinite one, becomes my security for all I can need or wish, seeking to abide in Christ.

 

God does His work by moving into our work – His work is hidden and silent.

 

Conversion and faith, prayer and obedience, are conscious acts of which we can give a clear account, while spiritual quickening and strengthening that comes from above are secret and beyond the reach of human sight. 

 

From eternity, Christ and I were ordained for each other; inseparably we belong to each other; it is God’s will; I shall abide in Christ.  It is of God, I am in Christ Jesus

Jesus speaking to me Colossians 2:6-7

 

Journal date:  November 11, 1998
Notes from a study of Andrew Murray’s book “Abide in Christ”  Day 5
 
Colossians 2:6-7   (paraphrase, personalization and application)
 
6.  Jean, remember back to the day you invited Me to be your Savior.   How did you do that?  It was simply by believing My Word – that I am who I say I am – “Christ, the Messiah."  Believing that you are a sinner in need of salvation.  In one word – FAITH!  You became a child of God by faith.
 
Now the only way you can live the Christian life is by faith! 
a)    You are saved by faith
b)    You will walk by faith
 
I will enable and empower you to conduct yourself and regulate your life in unity and conformity to Me.
 
7.  Each time you trust Me in a new area or situation, your roots become more firmly planted in Me.  I continually build you up, always confirming and establishing you in  your faith and trust in Me. 
 
Keep doing as I have taught you and you will abound and overflow in thanksgiving.  I am at work in you, Jean, just keep allowing Me freedom to do My work.  That is all you need to do.  Believe!